The energy line left winger was checked by Panthers' Krystofer Barch near the side boards and replays showed that the two might have had a head-to-head collision. Paille failed in his first attempt to stand back up as linemates Shawn Thornton and Gregory Campbell charged after Barch and dropped the gloves.

Barch received a two-minute minor for charging.

“I didn't see it. I really didn't, I still haven't seen it. I just saw (Paille) laying there and obviously the type of team we are, I'm going to err on the side of sticking up for him,” Thornton said after the game. “I mean, if it was a clean hit, then it was a clean hit. But if it wasn't, I'm glad we got in there. Guys like me and (Gregory Campbell) are going to step up if one of our teammates is laying there.”

This is Paille's second injury this season as he was struck in the face by a slap shot against the New York Islanders on Nov. 7, which sidelined him for three games and required surgery.